Collins & Aikman
Files for Chapter 11

By

Mitchell Pacelle and

Neal Boudette Staff Reporters of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL

Updated May 17, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

Collins & Aikman Corp., one of the nation's largest auto-parts makers, sought Chapter 11 bankruptcy-court protection today, making it the largest of a string of Chapter 11 filings roiling the auto industry.

Collins, which reported $3.9 billion of sales last year, has been struggling for months as industrywide financial pressures ratcheted higher.

The move capped a tumultuous period for the Troy, Mich., company, which makes...